New York City is famously the city that never sleeps. Which is absolutely true, there is so much to pack into a visit to the Big Apple, that you may just have to keep coming back. We certainly have, as we have visited New York four times now and each time we always find something new to see. New York is iconic for a reason, full of wonder, glamour and a few surprises along the way.
If you are currently planning your first visit to the city, then you are in the right place. In this guide you will find the top 10 amazing things to do in New York City. All of which have been tried and tested by us over the years.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By doing so, you are supporting our blog and helping us to continue writing free travel guides for you. Thank you for your continued support.
1. Times Square
The beating heart of Manhattan and an obvious place to start your New York City adventure. This is where movie magic comes to life. The iconic yellow cabs line the streets and the big lights that shine to remind you that, yes you really are in one of the greatest cities on earth. Whilst New York locals may not love it. It is still an absolute must see on any visit to the city, if only to feel the energy.
There are two times of day that we recommend you visit and both offer a totally opposite experience. The first is in the evening, definitely after dark. This is when Times Square becomes the most alive. Street performers congregate, sellers are out in full force, and the bright lights truly come into their own with a buzz in the atmosphere. If you want to feel Times Square, this is the perfect time to check it out.
Alternatively, we love visiting in the early morning (jet lag helps with this). To stand in an almost deserted Times Square is quite a surreal experience. Knowing that you’re the only person in the world there at that time. There is a quiet magic in it before the rush begins.
Where to stay in Times Square
As a first-time visitor to New York City. We think that one of the best areas to stay in the city is around Times Square. It is central and a lot of attractions are even within walking distance. Plus, you will get to understand the reason behind the phrase ‘the city that never sleeps’.
On our most recent visit. We chose to stay at The Paramount – Generator Hotel, which is only a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Times Square and Broadway. This hotel is also one of the most affordable hotels in Manhattan, which is notoriously expensive. You can secure rooms here for as little as £130 per night, a bargain in New York!
The hotel itself is modern and fresh, with a cosy bar to spend an evening in. Despite being in central Manhattan, we got a great night’s sleep as the traffic below didn’t really disturb us.
2. Central Park
If you only have time to visit one place in New York City, make sure it is Central Park. This is our favourite place in the whole city, and you could spend an entire day just exploring the park. Moreover, it is an iconic backdrop for many movies and TV shows. Which always adds a little more charm and nostalgia. Every time we visit New York City we always make sure to swing by and take a stroll through this beautiful green space.
The contrast between city and park is truly remarkable and it blends so effortlessly. Spots you must check out in Central Park include: The Pond at Central Park, Gapstow Bridge, Turtle Pond, The Mall and Literary Walk, Bethesda Terrace, Sheep Meadow and The Lake, along with many more. Central Park is the ideal place to stroll with a coffee, have a picnic or just escape the busy streets of the city for a while.
3. Hudson Yards
This is a relatively new area of town that was developed and then opened to the public in 2019. Located in West Manhattan, this corner of town is home to world-class shopping, dining and attractions, including the Edge and Vessel. Two very unique viewpoints with spectacular views across the New York City skyline and Hudson River.
Vessel NYC
This is an iconic structure designed to offer visitors a unique climbing and viewpoint experience. Vessel NYC is made up of 150 interconnected flights of stairs. It is shaped like a honeycomb and is meant to be explored from the inside as you make your way higher and higher. Once inside, it feels as though you have stepped into an optical illusion, this is a great spot for photographers!
Throughout the climb you will catch glimpses of the New York City skyline and Hudson River below. It truly is an unforgettable experience and a great alternative to more traditional viewpoints that are available within the city.
Edge NYC
Edge NYC on the other hand is an open-air observation deck that sits 345m off the ground on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. It offers visitors 360-degree of unspoiled views of New York City. In fact, you can see all the way out to Long Island and New Jersey from here. It is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western hemisphere, providing the feeling of being suspended in the air.
Once out on the observation deck the floor turns to glass. If you are brave enough you can stand on it and look down onto the city below your feet. Perhaps not for the faint hearted, but a truly thrilling experience! Furthermore, we recommend that you visit during sunset for the best vibe, a couple cocktails and to catch the city glowing in the golden light.
Entry fees
General admission to Vessel NYC is $12 per person and you will have to book a time slot. Alternatively, you can purchase the flexible ticket that costs $18. This means that you can visit any time of day on your chosen day. Vessel NYC is the most affordable and, in our opinion, most unique viewpoint experience in New York City.
General admission to Edge NYC starts at $35 per person, if you book at least 14 days in advance. Again, you will need to select a time slot with general tickets. However, flexible tickets are also available and start from $70.
If you’d like to visit Vessel NYC and Edge NYC together. Then you can also book a combined flexible ticket starting from $76. You can find more information on booking your visit here.
4. Brooklyn Bridge & Park
No trip to New York City is complete without taking a stroll across Brooklyn Bridge. It is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is the perfect way to get your steps in on an early morning. Brooklyn Bridge connects Lower Manhattan with the neighbourhood of Brooklyn (which is also well worth exploring whilst you are there).
We recommend visiting in the early morning, sunrise is best if you can get up early for it. This is the most beautiful spot in the whole city to watch the sun come up over the skyline. In addition, at this time of day you will be sharing the bridge with less foot traffic. As it can get VERY busy throughout the day.
Once you reach the Brooklyn side of the river, drop down into the Brooklyn Bridge Park. After Central Park, this is another favourite of ours. The park is situated on the water’s edge and has a spectacular view onto Manhattan. Grab a coffee and admire the views along the embankment. There is something rather dramatic about this park as the Brooklyn bridge looms overhead and the skyline of Manhattan shines in the early morning sun.
5. Grand Central Station
Back in Manhattan, you will find the most famous train station in the entire world. Grand Central Station is an attraction in itself for its grandeur architecture and cultural significance in many movies and TV shows.
As you stand in the entrance the sight in front of you will truly leave you speechless. It is North America’s fourth busiest train station and a huge hub for transport in New York City. It feels as though you’ve stepped right into a movie as you walk down the steps to the concourse. Moreover, it is a truly beautiful building that stands in contrast with most of the other buildings in the city, a sight that can’t be missed.
6. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Located in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, the 9/11 Memorial is an absolute must see whilst you are visiting the city. The memorial is not only beautiful. But it is a sombre and important reminder of that horrific day back in 2001. To come here and pay your respects to those that lost their lives in the attacks on the Twin Towers, is quite frankly a New York City non-negotiable. We have visited the memorial on every visit, and it never gets old. Furthermore, today it is truly a place of reflection and peace.
Right next door to the memorial is the museum. If you are interested in learning more about the 9/11 attacks and how the story unfolded that day. Then you can’t miss a visit to the museum. Whilst much of the exhibit may cause some tears. It has been created so well, to tell the story of what really happened that day and honour those people that lost their lives. We came away from the museum utterly moved and in shock of what we had just experienced.
Entry fees
Admission to the 9/11 memorial is totally free, this space is open to the public 24/7. General admission to the museum is $30 per person. However, we recommend that you purchase a New York City Pass as the 9/11 museum features on this. Along with other city attractions. This will save you money overall on entry fees and grant you access of up to 10 attractions around New York.
7. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty is another iconic New York City landmark, a symbol of freedom and liberty of which the United States stands proud on. The statue actually has a really fascinating history behind it, which you can learn more about by heading on a self-guided tour to Liberty Island. Just across the water is Ellis Island, another historical and notorious landmark. As it served as the primary immigration centre for immigrants entering the United States between 1892 and 1954.
Statue of Liberty
The boats to Liberty Island leave from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. In order to enter the dock, you must have purchased a ticket for the experience. Once on the boat you will cruise across the Hudson towards the Statue of Liberty. Make sure that you stand on deck as the views onto Manhattan and as you approach Liberty Island are spectacular from the water.
Once on the island you will come face to face with the 93m tall Statue of Liberty, from the ground she seems huge! Your ticket will include an audio guide that you can pick up from the kiosk close to where the boat will drop you off. The audio guide will take you on a journey around the Island, explaining the history of the Statue of Liberty and the island itself along the way. For an additional cost, you can also step inside the Statue of Liberty, by climbing to the top of the pedestal or the crown, to witness an impressive view across the city.
Ellis Island
To reach Ellis Island you will catch the boat from the same point in Battery Park. Most people visit Ellis Island alongside the Statue of Liberty, as tickets include both and the boats stop at each attraction. After your visit to Liberty Island, you can head back to the dock and catch the boat a short way across to Ellis Island.
Once you arrive at Ellis Island you will be greeted by a historical building that was once home to the most prolific immigration centre in the world. Ellis Island station processed over 12 million immigrants over the years that it was active. Most of whom were coming from Europe and other corners of the world, in search of a new life in the ‘new world’. What greeted them when they arrived was quite the shock. As Ellis Island was known for inflicting a particularly rigorous and brutal processing procedure on those that came through it.
Today, Ellis Island houses the National Immigration Museum, where visitors can learn and understand more about the history of American immigration. There is an even a service where you can search for your own ancestors, who may have passed through here, all those years ago. The museum is really interesting and does a great job at highlighting the impact that immigration has had on cultural diversity in the United States.
Entry fees
There is no fee to enter the Statue of Liberty National Monument or Ellis Island. However, you must purchase a ferry ticket to reach the islands. General admission for the tickets cost $25.50 per person. If you would like to step inside the Statue of Liberty, then you will need to purchase an additional ticket that costs only an extra $3 to access the crown viewpoint.
We highly recommend that you consider purchasing a City Pass, as again the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are included with this pass. If you are travelling with others, it is the most cost-efficient way to visit New York City attractions.
8. Broadway
Broadway is the theatre district of Manhattan. It is known for its large theatres, vibrant performances and historical significance. All the major musicals and plays are performed here, with top talented actors featuring in many of the shows. It would be a crime to not experience it, even just once.
To watch a show on Broadway really is a bucket list experience, like no other. You will find popular performances showing all year round such as: Hamilton, The Lion King, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon and many more. Most shows can be booked in advance, this will get you inside the theatre quicker and ensure you have your ticket secured for popular shows. However, you could consider purchasing your ticket whilst in New York City if you are unsure when you would like to visit. This may mean longer queues for you but gives you the flexibility to change plans if needed.
9. The High Line
The High Line is a unique and elevated park situated in Manhattan. That has been transformed from a freight line, into an outdoor public space in the heart of the city. It stretches 1.5 miles through the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Hudson Yards and features gardens, art installations and beautiful architecture that really encapsulates New York City’s innovative vibe.
The High Line was originally designed to be used for freight transport but now serves as an urban oasis, blending nature and urban life seamlessly. It really is a wonderful spot to visit as there is nowhere quite like it.
10. John’s Pizzeria
Finally, you would be doing yourself an injustice is you came to New York City and didn’t try some of its most famous and delicious pizza. New York is well known across the world for its great pizza. On almost every corner you will find a pizzeria selling gigantic slices, but nowhere quite does it like John’s.
What sets John’s Pizzeria apart from the rest, is not only the fact that it has been a New York City institution since 1929, but that even today, they still use traditional methods of cooking pizzas in coal-fired brick ovens. This authentic way of cooking, contributes to John’s Pizzeria’s signature smoky taste. Moreover, whereas most pizzerias in New York sell by the slice, you can enjoy the full pie here.
A visit to John’s Pizzeria is the perfect way to round off any trip to New York City and we guarantee you will leave satisfied with your choice to eat here.
Final thoughts on New York City
A visit to New York City is without a doubt one of the best trips you can take in your lifetime. There is a reason that this city has been capturing the imaginations of millions over generations. It truly is a city like no other, it has a pulse and an energy that only makes you want to stay longer. We hope that after reading this guide you now have the tools and inspiration to plan your perfect adventure in the Big Apple.
Leave a Reply